Search JTA's historical archive dating back to 1923

Jew Wounded, Arab Killed in New Clashes; Curfew Extended

May 15, 1936
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
Advertisement

One Arab was killed and one Jew wounded in new clashes this morning as increasing tension spurred the evacuation of Jews from the Old City of Jerusalem.

About 140 Jews were evacuated from the Old City since last night while 200 women, children and aged persons were transferred to the premises of the Hapoel Sports Club in the center of the city. Others were transported under guard to the Hurveh synagogue within the Old City walls.

An official communique said the Arab was found in the Old City, shot by an unknown person. The victim’s brother alleged a person resembling a Jew had shot him, according to the communique, and no other witnesses could be found. Earlier reports said the Arab was shot at the Jaffa Gate when he attempted to stab another Arab for breaking the anti-Jewish general strike.

The Jewish population of Jaffa Street was thrown into panic and Jews hurriedly closed their stores when Arabs attempted to convert the funeral for the slain Arab into a demonstration. Police managed to divert the procession as it was marching into Jaffa Street.

David Horowitz, a Jew, was wounded by Arabs on Mamilah Street and removed to the Hadassah Hospital.

Curfew, which yesterday was proclaimed in the Old City of Jerusalem following slaying by Arabs of two Jews, was today extended to the post office section of this city. The territory under curfew now includes all mixed Arab-Jewish districts in Jerusalem.

The police guard was doubled on the streets of the Old City. Jewish laborers were advised not to work on the outskirts of the city.

Municipal buses were running only as far as the post-office instead of to the Jaffa gate. All Jewish stores between the post-office and the Jaffa gate were closed.

BRITISH CIVIL OFFICIALS GIVEN ARMS

Arms and steel-helmets were distributed among all British civil officials. Authorities promised to guard every one wishing to be evacuated from the Old City. A delegation from the Agudath Israel, orthodox organization, demanded of District Commissioner Campbell evacuation by the Government of the entire estimated Jewish population of 5,000 from the quarter.

As tension spread from the Old City throughout the rest of the city, police in lorries patrolled the streets, stopping Jewish passers-by and searching them for arms. All Jewish schools on the outskirts of the city dismissed their pupils and sent them home.

An official statement said that High Commissioner Sir Arthur Grenfell Wauchope inspected armored cars and tanks at Ramleh and Sarafend and the reinforcements which arrived here from Egypt.

Other incidents reported were:

A bomb was thrown in Princess Mary Street, but failed to do any damage.

An American Jew, whose name could not be learned, was among three Jewish passengers injured by Arabs who stoned a train passing through Tulkarem en route to Tel Aviv.

Seven hundred trees were reported uprooted by Arabs in a Jewish-owned grove near Hedera.

Arabs attempted to invade the Jewish settlement at Ataroth near Jerusalem during the night, firing thirty shots from different directions. They retreated when police replied with gunfire.

Fire caused heavy damage in the Mishmaria-Emek forest during the night and smaller fires were reported in other places.

A Jew, Shalom Frankenthal, was arrested on a charge of attempted murder preferred by an Arab, who claimed the Jew had fired a revolver. Although the official announcement said no weapon was found on him, Frankenthal was denied bail, even when $5,000 was offered.

The Arab daily. El Liwaa, published a call to Arab ex-servicemen to register within a week for a special gathering at Ramleh.

The Government ordered the press not to publish reports contradicting the official communique on yesterday’s slayings, which says that Reuben Klapholtz, 45, one of the victims, died of a bullet in his head. Klapholtz was a merchant and the father of seven children.

Recommended from JTA

Advertisement